Celebrating National Co-op Month

 

Celebrating Co-op Month

October is National Co-op Month! And at the Ashland Food Co-op we’ve had the pleasure of seeing firsthand how co-ops really do build a better world, starting right here in our community. The entire month of October - with the support of the US Department of Agriculture - highlights the importance of co-ops as a hub of democracy, community building, and circular economic practices. 

In fact, 2025 has been historically named The Year of the Cooperatives. Being or becoming an AFC Owner means more than just saving money when you shop. Owners are part of a community that values sustainability, supports local producers, and makes decisions together.

 

What's in It for You? 

Patronage Dividends: Each year, AFC shares a portion of its profits with its owners. The more you shop, the more you earn back. 

Owner Coupons: You get to save 10% on one whole purchase six times a year. That means six chances to load up on your favorite local products. 

Education Discounts: Eager to learn more about cooking, gardening, or sustainability? Owners get $5 off classes and pay less for kids' camps. Knowledge gives you power… and costs less when you're an owner.

Community Involvement: Get involved in your community - vote in Board elections, join a committee, and have a say in how Ashland Food Co-op is run.

 

Why it Matters 

We aren’t just a grocery store - we are a community that puts people before profits. When you become an owner, you back a system that cares about fairness, sustainability and environmental equity, and supporting local producers. Did you know that every dollar you spend at AFC creates three times the local economic effect compared to regular grocery stores?

Becoming an owner is straightforward: 

  • Complete the online form or reach out to owner services. 

  • Invest $100 once (or choose to make $10/month payments). 

  • Start enjoying all ownership perks right away.

There are over 1 billion co-op owners worldwide and over 29,000 co-ops in the US alone; this means 1 in every 3 Americans are involved in at least one cooperative. Each year we strive to reach greater heights with the help of our community partners and patrons. AFC appreciates your dedication and looks forward to a lifelong partnership with each individual who walks through our doors. 

 

More Co-op News

Rachel's Spring Produce Picks

Rachel Rose, Assistant Produce Manager, shares her spring produce picks.

Strawberries
Most people are surprised to know that early spring are two of the best months out of the year for tasty strawberries. The first batch out of California is usually so sweet and full of flavor that the rest of the year I often shy away from strawberries. They just don’t measure up to the fruit coming out early in the year.

5 Edible Plants to Start in Your Garden Now

Spring is most definitely upon us, and we are lucky enough to live in Southern Oregon where the weather during this time is usually (ahem) co-operative enough to let us get some plants in the ground in between the hail storms and rainbows.  There are actually many plants that do quite well in this time of transition, as they prefer the cooler temperatures that we get here this time of year, before the real heat sets in.  Here are a few that we have right now at the Co-op, direct from local, organic farms.  Plant these in your garden now for best results!

UPDATED Organic Raw Macadamia Nuts Recalled Because of Possible Health Risk

UPDATED  3/17/16

Ashland Food Co-Op of Ashland, Oregon issues the updated press release to clarify that we re-packed and sold Organic Raw Macadamia nuts in random weight bags at our retail store in Oregon only between January 5th, 2016 and February 4th, 2016.  We do not have any internet sale or distribute affected product outside Oregon.

Garden of Life Raw Meal Recall

Garden of Life has issued a voluntary recall on all Raw Meal products shipped after August 15, 2015. 

Please see the below link to Garden of Life’s blog for all lot numbers that they are recalling, as well as details of the recall.

Let Thy Food Be Thy Medicine

Rachel Rose, Assistant Produce Manager, shares her winter produce picks.

The cells in our bodies are all made using the building blocks that we provide in the food that we eat, the air that we breathe and the water we drink. If we want healthy bodies, feeding ourselves and our families the cleanest healthiest foods is a real good start. We are what we eat!

Burdock root

Behind the Scenes: The Deli

Welcome back to our Behind the Scenes blog series. We recently took you into the colorful world of Produce. Now we’d like to introduce you to the department that enters beast mode daily: the Deli.

Did you know?

31 Reasons to Visit the Co-op

Happy 2016! It’s a brand new year, new month, new day. No doubt many of you’ve made a variety of resolutions to make this year the best yet. The Co-op can help you succeed. How? Let us tell you. Here are 31 reasons why you should visit the Co-op every day this month to improve your life and your community.

Behind the Scenes: Produce Department

You shop for groceries at the Co-op. For lunch, you often stop at the Deli for a quick meal from the Hot Bar. You meet friends outside on the plaza, give each other long hugs, and catch up on life. After a long week, you swing by for the Friday beer and wine tastings at the Kiosk. But how well do you really know the Co-op?

2015: A Year to Remember

Can it really be that time of year again? 2015 was full of so many things for which to be grateful. Here’s a list of some of the highlights.

We celebrated the 10-thousandth person to become a Co-op owner! Co-op ownership is a way to help create a more humane and democratic way to do business locally. A robust cooperative economy is one way to take a stand against corporate misbehavior.

Smart Chicken® Holiday Giving Challenge

The holiday season is upon us. Amidst the shopping frenzies, family gatherings, and parties it can be hard to remember this is also a season of giving. Luckily, you have us and we are making it easy for you to give back.

During the month of November, Co-op shoppers can nourish their own families and help fight hunger in the Rogue Valley.